Withdrawls boost 200m gold chances for Asher-Smith

DINA Asher-Smith’s chances of World Championships gold continued to grow after a raft of rivals pulled out of the 200m.

The 23-year-old claimed 100m silver on Sunday in the first part of her treble medal bid and breezed into the 200m semi-finals on Monday.

Defending champion Dafne Schippers has pulled out of the Championships with an adductor problem and the Ivory Coast’s MarieJosee Ta Lou, who won 100m bronze, is also out injured.

New 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will not run, while Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare was disqualified for stepping out of her lane in heat five yesterday.

Asher-Smith broke her own 100m British record to set 10.83 seconds and win her first individual global medal in Doha.

But the four-time European champion insisted there was no release of pressure even after winning her silver medal.

“I wouldn’t call it a relief. I don’t think about it like that, I’m not a negative person,” said Asher-Smith, who ran 22.32 seconds in her 200m heat.

“I’m just proud of myself, I’ve definitely taken my time and worked my way up from being a relay runner and then through Beijing through London and the broken foot.

“It’s just been a lot of hard work that I’m proud of.

“We’ve got more through the week.”

Beth Dobbin also reached the semi-finals after coming third in heat six in 23.14secs.

Meanwhile, Laviai Nielsen reached the 400m semi-finals with a run of 51.52s but Emily Diamond missed out. goals to go